The COVID-19 Academic Crisis Response Research Consortium (COVID-19 ARC), Led by ASOG, Holds a Webinar on Taiwan’s Best Practices
27 Apr 2020
Last April 24, 2020, the Academic Crisis Response Consortium (see https://covid19arc.ph), a collaboration among the Ateneo Professional Schools, the AIM Zuellig School of Development Management, and the DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, held Part 1 of a series of Best International Practices, titled “The Fight Against COVID-19: Lessons from Taiwan.”
The webinar featured best practices from selected countries, along with insights and experiences shared by international experts and policymakers, leading the fight against COVID-19.
Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, Head of AIM Zuellig School of Development Management facilitated the discussions. He introduced the webinar, highlighting what participants can obtain, such as what the Philippines can adapt in terms of strategy, governance and risk management, anchored on scientific principles.
Dr. Mei-Shang Ho, President of Taiwan Health Corporation, member of the vaccine center of drug evaluation and task force for pandemic influenza preparedness, started with an overview of the pandemic. She shared Taiwan’s practices and garnered interest as she thoroughly discussed the “Four Layers of Protection.” She ended by giving points on how to prepare for the “next wave.”
Amb. Tai Chiu-Chou is the current spokesperson for the Taipei City Government. He announced that beginning April 21, 2020, Taiwan actively decided to share its pandemic prevention experiences with countries that have good relations with the country, such as the Philippines. Amb. Chou shared Taipei’s experiences in terms of strategies, standard operating procedures, creative measures and the advantages of Taiwan, as an excellent model in battling the pandemic.
Moderating the proceedings was Mr. Christian Esguerra of ABS-CBN, who efficiently curated all questions and answers from the participants.
The event was closed by Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, who concluded, “many people have said that science and politics should not come together, but in situations of the pandemic, these have to collaborate for the public good.” Dr. Go also reiterated key learnings on critical elements of Taiwan’s success, such as, “careful analysis, planning and foresight” as well as the “application of technology as a wonderful innovation” of Taiwan.
The webinar received around 1,500 registered participants and recorded 1,510 views. 90% of the views came from the Philippines while the remaining 10% were from the US, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, among others.
Presentations
Dr. Mei-Shang Ho
Amb. Tai Chiu-Chou